IAN SMITH FROM EXETER AND SOUTHAMPTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES ON CATHEDRAL GREEN
In a recent case heard at Exeter Crown Court, Ian Smith, a homeless man with a troubling history of sexual offences, was sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison for multiple breaches of court orders and inappropriate conduct towards minors in Exeter.The incident took place outside Exeter Cathedral Green, a popular public space in the city, where Smith was observed approaching and sitting near groups of teenage girls enjoying the sunny weather.
Despite being under strict legal restrictions, Smith, aged 50 and formerly residing at Bashley Cross, New Milton, flouted his court-imposed bans on contact with minors.
Specifically, Smith had been prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 18 due to his status as a convicted sex offender.
His criminal record includes a conviction for groping a girl in Southampton, which led to his registration on the sex offenders' register and a court order known as a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
The order explicitly forbade him from approaching or having contact with minors without supervision.
The trouble began when a police officer, on patrol near Exeter Cathedral Green, noticed Smith lying on the grass next to a group of young people, including a 16-year-old girl and three 17-year-olds.
When Smith moved away from the group, the officer approached and questioned the teenagers, who confirmed that Smith had been making inappropriate remarks and bothering them.
Smith was subsequently arrested nearby.
This incident was not isolated.
It marked the second time within three months that Smith had been caught breaching his SOPO by approaching minors in the same location.
The first breach occurred when he approached a group of French children during a school exchange program, for which he had received a four-month suspended sentence.
Prosecutor Mr.
Nigel Wraith highlighted that Smith’s repeated violations demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders designed to protect minors and the community.
Smith’s criminal history includes five previous convictions related to failing to notify authorities of his address and one for breaching the SOPO.
His second sexual assault conviction in 2011 led to the imposition of the SOPO, which he has now violated multiple times.
During the hearing, Smith admitted to breaching the SOPO, failing to provide a valid address for the sex offenders' register, and breaking his suspended sentence.
His defense lawyer, Mr.
Jason Beale, explained that Smith was living a chaotic lifestyle at the time, battling homelessness and alcohol abuse, but expressed hope that he could turn his life around and address his personal issues.
Judge Francis Gilbert sentenced Smith to 18 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his breaches and the importance of safeguarding minors from individuals with a history of sexual offending.
The judge also reminded Smith of the importance of adhering to court orders meant to protect the community and prevent further harm.
